Air Berlin launches non-stop Dubai service

Air Berlin, Germany's second largest airline, has announced a new non-stop service from Dubai to Berlin, beginning on November 3rd, 2010.

The route was announced by Air Berlin chief Joachim Hunold, Berlin's governing mayor Klaus Wowereit and Rainer Schwarz, head of Berlin Airport in order to highlight its positive effect on both Arab-German business relationships and leisure tourism to and from Dubai.

Air Berlin confirmed the route will be operated three times per week, using Airbus A330-200. It has already opened up bookings for the service on airberlin.com at fares from €199 one-way, including taxes and charges.

The Berlin authorities have used the route launch to promote its 'Welcome Card' – a city ticket offering free travel on the capital's buses and railways, as well as admission reductions at Berlin's main tourist attractions.

In other news, Mohammed Al Habbai, chief executive officer of Dubailand, said this week that Dubai's tourism destinations have experienced a significant surge in cruise visitors thanks to a new partnership with Royal Caribbean International.